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Former deputy Lorna Fitzjohn to replace Coffey in Ofsted FE lead role

Ofsted’s former deputy director of further education and skills has been given the director’s role after Matthew Coffey was promoted, the watchdog has announced.

Lorna Fitzjohn previously served as deputy director for FE and was more recently director for the West Midlands, a job she will continue with alongside her new role. She has also previously held leadership roles in primary schools and FE colleges.

Mr Coffey, who has been in charge of learning and skills at Ofsted since the beginning of 2012, will become chief operating officer.

Ms Fitzjohn said: “I am delighted to take up the role of director for further education and skills at Ofsted and will be looking to build on the work of my predecessor, Matthew Coffey HMI, in improving standards and outcomes for learners.

“Further education is a vital sector which provides learners of all ages with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. We are seeing teachers and providers make significant improvements, helping learners to get the qualifications they need to find employment in the industries they want.

“However, there is still much to be done to ensure that all FE providers offer a quality learning experience. There are big changes planned for the way Ofsted inspect schools and I will be working closely with the FE sector to consider ways in which we can bring these changes into the inspection of apprenticeships, colleges and more in order to improve standards and outcomes.”